The Town of Matthews welcomes interaction and participation with citizens and has a number of committees and boards where citizens can make a difference.

For complete details on every committee, including their responsibilities, meeting times and locations please review the Citizen Participation Handbook. If you are interested in serving on any of the boards and committees you must submit an application to Town Clerk Lori Canapinno.

The Appearance/Tree Advisory Committee makes a study of the visual characteristics and needs of the Town and promotes those activities and programs that enhance the Town character, preserving and beautifying the landscape, in order to make Matthews a cleaner, greener, and more aesthetically pleasing community.

The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board that interprets town ordinances and policies for unique situations or special cases related to the town Zoning Ordinance.

Cultural Diversity Council

The role of the Cultural Diversity Council (CDC) is to foster a climate of mutual respect among the many diverse groups and communities in Matthews; improve communications between these groups and communities and the Town government and leaders; to offer input to Town and community issues; and to encourage discussion of differing viewpoints to promote an understanding in a multicultural environment and increase Matthews’ capacity to become a more culturally competent organization and community. The CDC may also become involved in other tasks as requested by the Board of Commissioners or Town staff and additional subcommittees or task forces may be created as needed.

The Economic Development Advisory Committee markets the Town to facilitate the economic development process. Major emphasis is placed on the retention and expansion of existing business and industry, the attraction of new business opportunities, and the continued revitalization of the Town’s economic base.

The Environmental Advisory Committee provides advice and assistance to the Board of Commissioners on all areas of potential environmental impacts to the Town including air pollution, water pollution and floodway control problems. The Committee also provides support in selecting solid, household hazardous waste, recycling, and yard waste contractors and providing oversight into the appropriate management of these materials.

The Matthews Historic Preservation Advisory Committee focuses on the preservation of properties and artifacts, education of the community, and partnerships with municipal and civic organizations, including the Matthews Historical Foundation and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission to advance the cause of historic preservation.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Advisory Committee serves as an advisory body in matters affecting recreation and special events including planning, promotion and marketing of same. The Committee provides input for the long-range planning of resources towards park projects, acquisition of land and other indoor/outdoor recreational activities. Additionally, the Committee ensures that Matthews has a current cultural plan which include arts, science and history programs both at the Matthews Community Center and in the community at large.

The North Carolina General Statutes authorizes municipalities to develop comprehensive future growth and development plans, and land development regulations to implement those plans. The statutes also call for municipalities to create a planning board to make recommendations on these land development plans and regulations. The Matthews Planning Board has been created to advise the Matthews Town Board of Commissioners on land development issues from a citizen standpoint.

The Transportation Advisory Committee assists in the development of a master transportation system plan to include, but not be limited to, current and future roads and location of same; mass transit corridors and infrastructure types; car-van-bus pools/park & ride solutions; pedestrian greenways; and bike paths. The Committee also makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on issues such as speed hump placement, traffic calming, etc., and provides review input on major projects that may affect transportation such as major area rezonings.

The mission of the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee (MVAC) is to promote a strong, healthy, and cooperative relationship between the Town of Matthews and service members, veterans and their families; to recognize the role played by veterans in the defense of this country; to promote equal and inclusive opportunities for veterans and their families in all aspects of society; and to identify and support all individuals and organizations that contribute to this mission.